Importance of implementing the Sawless Bees Project at ECIT Jornalista José Leal Ramos, São João do Cariri, Paraíba

Abstract

Meliponiculture, the rational breeding of native stingless bees (Meliponini), is an activity of extreme socioeconomic and ecological importance for the semiarid region of the city of São João do Cariri, in the Cariri region of Paraíba. Because these species are adapted to the semiarid climate and flora of the Caatinga, species such as the jandaíra (Melipona subnitida) and the mosquito (Plebeia flavocincta) are essential for the maintenance of the biome and the development of a sustainable local economy. Ecologically, these bees are key pollinators of the Caatinga, ensuring the reproduction of numerous native plants, many of which are endemic and of great forage, fruit, or medicinal value. This efficient pollination promotes biodiversity preservation, vegetation regeneration, and the maintenance of ecosystem services, crucial for a fragile ecosystem like the semiarid region. The activity, therefore, goes hand in hand with environmental conservation. Socioeconomically, meliponiculture is a vital and complementary source of income for families who survive on agricultural activities, as it requires low initial investment, uses local materials, and is perfectly compatible with other rural activities, such as beekeeping with Africanized bees and goat and sheep farming, among others. Honey, pollen, and propolis have high commercial value, being sold at local markets and to a consumer market that values natural and exclusive products. Beyond the financial aspect, the practice strengthens food security by providing nutritious products for the family itself and revives traditional knowledge, seamlessly integrating into the local culture, which, through organization in associations, strengthens the local community and adds value to production. Thus, meliponiculture in São João do Cariri goes beyond simple animal husbandry, becoming a sustainable practice that promotes the conservation of the Caatinga, generates income in harmony with the environment, and strengthens the resilience of rural communities against the region's climatic adversities, constituting an essential tool for local development.